I read and talk about teen literature every day, but Celebrate Teen Literature Day is April 16, during National Library Week. Teen lit covers such a large variety of topics and genres that the list of books I want to read grows daily. I'll never be able to read everything, even if I kid myself that I will, but here are some recent favorites that have grabbed my heartstrings, my pulse and my need to tell everyone to read these books!
The Dead I Know mixes mystery and trauma and it's hard to see where one ends and the other begins. Aaron Rowe starts a job at a funeral parlor and it's quickly understood that this is the right job for him, but why? The unraveling mystery kept me engaged, and the relationship between Aaron and his employer makes me have hope for people out there who need a support system.
Seeker kicks off a new fantasy series weaving together stories about honor, secrets and families. Quin has always wanted to be a Seeker, but after she's sworn in she realizes she's got it all wrong. It's fun and frightening to get to know the characters as they unravel in front of each other and witness the great lengths they go to to find their own truths.
Seeker is available in other formats.
The language and imagery used in The Strange & Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender makes me love magic realism even more than I did in the past. Ava and her family vividly come to life as she figures out who she really is in her family and this world.
The Strange & Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is available in other formats.
For even more, explore some early 2015 teen titles I'm excited about and let me know what you're excited about, too!
Add a comment to: Celebrate Teen Literature Day